Auto Racing News - 6 April 2025

If you crave the roar of a big block modified engine starting up or the distinct scent of racing fuel, then Albany-Saratoga Speedway might have been your destination tonight, as they held an early bird inspection from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Looking ahead, several tracks are preparing for the season with practice sessions. On Saturday, Lebanon Valley Speedway will hold an open practice from 3:00 PM until approximately 8:00 PM. If weather cancels the activities, Sunday will serve as a rain date, and if necessary, Tuesday will also be available, presumably during the same time slot. Next Friday, Albany-Saratoga Speedway will host its open practice from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with free grandstand admission and $25 pit admission; the rain date is Tuesday, April 15th. Utica-Rome Speedway is also holding an open practice next Friday evening ahead of their opener on Sunday, April 13th. Furthermore, Fonda Speedway will host its open practice next Saturday, with gates opening at 1:00 PM and track time scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

In another sign of the approaching racing season, Fonda Speedway, the "Track of Champions," is searching for individuals or groups to sing the National Anthem on race nights. Anyone interested in this honor should contact Melissa (Mimi) Lazzaro via Direct Message on her Facebook page or by email at mimimonk4@gmail.com.

The recent Utica-Rome Speedway car show at Sangertown Square Mall proved successful. Cars from every division, including winged sprint cars and slingshots, were displayed. Fans filled the venue, meeting drivers, shopping, and dining. Additionally, promoter Jason Broedel confirmed that fans visiting Utica-Rome Speedway will notice facility improvements, including replaced spectator bleacher boards and addressed sound system issues.

The inaugural class of inductees for the Vermont Motorsports Hall of Fame has been announced, recognizing individuals for numerous achievements. The honorees include Driver John Buffum, Promoter Tom “T-Bone” Curley, Driver Harmon “Beaver” Dragon, Driver Bobby Dragon, Promoter C.V. “Chuck” Elms II, Driver Shirley Muldowney, Promoter Charles C.J. Richards, Announcer Ken Squier, and Driver Gardner Stone.

Regarding Shirley Muldowney's connection to the Green Mountain State, while many associate the drag racing legend with Schenectady, New York, and Fonda Speedway, she was born in Burlington, Vermont.

Turning to recent race results, Stewart Friesen of Sprakers competed last Friday at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia. Starting 12th in the Boys & Girls Club of the Blue Ridge 200, Friesen ran competitively throughout the 200 laps on the 0.526-mile oval, finishing 9th. He remains 5th in the point standings after five events.

At Georgetown Speedway in Delaware, Ryan Godown won the 25-lap modified feature, followed by Alex Yankowski. Rick Eckert took the victory in the 26-lap Super Late Model feature, with A.J. Miller of Fultonville finishing tenth. In the crate 602 sportsman division, Bryce Bashore won the feature, while Dylan Madsen placed fifth.

On Saturday night, the Super DIRTcar Series big block modifieds raced at New Egypt Speedway in New Jersey for the 75-lap Power in the Pines event. Stewart Friesen secured the win, followed by Alex Yankowski and 16-year-old Logan Watt. Other finishers included Anthony Perrego (6th), Peter Britten (17th), Justin Stone (18th), Jack Lehner (20th), David Schilling (24th), and C.G. Morey (26th). In the companion 25-lap crate 602 sportsman feature, Ryan Heim won, with local driver Dylan Madsen finishing sixth. This victory marked Friesen's first Super DIRTcar Series win at New Egypt, though he had won there previously in other events.